This week, 13-19 May, is Myopia Awareness Week, a collaborative initiative of the World Council of Optometry (WCO) and Brien Holden Vision Institute (BHVI) in Sydney.

The aim of the week is to inspire action in caregivers to protect their children’s vision and changing the way optometrists understand and treat myopia, the organisations say.

“We know that almost half the world’s population will be myopic by the year 2050, with nearly one billion people in the high myopia category. Myopia Awareness Week is about getting people talking about myopia in homes and optometry practices around the world,” said WCO president Dr Scott Mundle. “We want caregivers to understand that children’s eye health is an important part of their overall health and development. We also want to make sure that optometrists are equipped with the knowledge to help treat their myopic patients.” 

“There is much happening in research, product development and professional education to meet the myopia challenge, but it is critical we engage with those at the frontline – parents, guardians and eye care practitioners – to ensure they have the understanding and tools to protect our children’s futures,” said BHVI CEO Yvette Waddell. “This is an important and timely initiative involving the optometry profession globally,” she added.

For more information about Myopia Awareness Week visit www.myopiamovement.com.